Integrated Marketing, Reputation, and Image Update

College applications are exploding this year -- but how long will it last? The good news is that early numbers for applications for next year's class are surging well beyond expectations. A host of factors have led to the spike, but none more important than the crest of the baby boomers' babies -- expected to reach an all-time high in 2009, and then decline. While we all rejoice at the early numbers for next year's class, it is important to understand, on an institution basis, why this has occurred and how it can be sustained. That is good market research, a key step in the marketing process.

• USA Today

Police shoot out-of-control Florida Atlantic University student, reigniting the debate over whether or not to arm campus police. When a 6-foot-tall, 300-pound undergraduate student went on a rampage following a dorm fight, campus police shot him once in the shoulder. The incident has reignited the debate over arming campus cops, with ideas ranging from no weapons to stun guns to automatic weapons. How best to reassure parents that students who matriculate will be safe?

• Inside Higher Ed.com

Low-income students, baffled by new financial aid rules and regulations, are not applying for assistance as many had anticipated. As Pell Grant levels rise, albeit slowly, students incorrectly assume they may not be eligible, when often they are. How well are we marketing financial aid to the neediest, and are we doing them a disservice by not doing more?

• Chron.com (Associated Press story)

Arizona State University (ASU) has banned alcohol in fraternity houses -- a positive move, we assume, but one that underscores how poorly higher education has grappled with the problem of alcohol on campus. Many universities are in similar straits, but Tempe-based ASU has seen the number of alcohol-related arrests on campus double in two years. Their aggressive outreach efforts, according to these figures, have failed. How can all of higher education join forces to do a better job on this endemic problem that is costing us millions of dollars and too many lost lives?

• AZcentral.com (The Arizona Republic)

Campus Crises in the News

Compensation at the University of California still under fire: Where will the bucks-for-profs controversy end?

• MercuryNews.com (Associated Press story)

Harvard president under fire again, this time from faculty: How long can the tumult last for Lawrence Summers?

• New York Times

Lawrence Summers he isn't, but the president of Alfred State College has been found wanting in relations with faculty, administrators, donors, and others: How can he turn around the tumult on the New York campus?

• New York Times

Sacramento State University student leader caught with his hand in the cookie jar: Police say the recent grad filched over $18,000.

• SacUnion.com

Wesleyan president steps down, citing positive reasons despite negative views from faculty: The debate over why President Jeanie Watson is leaving the institution may persist, but she's doing so with her head held high -- contrary to disapproval ratings by faculty.

• JournalStar.com

University of Pennsylvania beefs up security: A $5 million university investment targets making the institution's downtown campus safer.

• Philadelphia Inquirer

Virginia shortchanges students, says state group: Some worry the Commonwealth's colleges and universities are in a perilous situation.

• DailyPress.com